Handlebars - EA70 AX vs EA50AX

11 replies · 1,661 views

Spreader
62 posts
#1Jan 7, 2019, 8:47 AM
Hello all. I’m hoping to get some information on differences of the new Easton EA50ax bar compared to the level up EA70ax.

So far all I can tell is 35 grams at nearly double the cost.

I’m looking to get a different bar for the private Jake that I ride. I like the current bars flare and compact shape, but I spend more time on gravel and need it narrower for shoulder/hand comfort. I also really dislike the tops and really want something a wider similar to the FSA Energy compact on my road bike.

on that note, the FSA NS bar looks like a great bar for the money and job as well. I’d also take feedback on that baby too 🙂
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BikingRon
3 posts
#2Jan 11, 2019, 5:44 AM
Not sure what is causing your discomfort. When riding gravel there is a lot of shock coming up through the fork / stem / bar system. I have ridden a substantial amount of gravel on thee different bikes with varying amount of comfort of all three. My old Specialized Tricross with standard aluminum bar and fork with elastomers is relatively comfortable. I had a Redline Team Conquest carbon cross bike that saw some gravel use. This was the lightest and most efficient bike, but stiff and actually speed limited due to the vibration transmission through bars. Both of these bike were fitted with 32 mm cross tires.

The optimum set up is my Niner RLT RDO carbon with 37 mm tires and Easton EC70 AX bars. I feel like a fighter pilot flying down gravel roads with this set up. Combination of the tires, frame and bars. I can feel a bit of give in the bars and I am sure the tires make a lot of difference. The flare is extremely comfortable when in the drops and it is amazing how much control I have.

So, I really have not answered your question, but my suggestion is to buy the best bar you can afford. You may want to see if Easton can provide more information. The EA70 Ax may have a bit more compliance due to working of the material. Hope the bar solves your problem. It would be a shame to change bars and still have the same issue.
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Spreader
62 posts
#3Jan 12, 2019, 4:19 PM
Thanks for the thoughtful response. Here’s background on why I’m changing the bars:

I ride a Private Jake (stiff CX carbon fork) with a flared aluminum bar (42cm hoods, 46cm drops). The bar on my road bike is 38cm at the hoods and the 42cm on the bike now is causing me palm/finger pain after several hours on the bike. The tops of the road bike FSA Energy Compact are oval vs. the tops on the Jake bar are narrow and round, and this causes palm discomfort. The Jake bar would be perfect for CX but I need a different bar for the bikes main job (gravel endurance). The bike is shod with 40mm Maxxis Ramblers (35/37psi).

TLDR: Bars are too wide, tops are too round/skinny.

I’d love carbon bars but I can’t get past the cost. It would mean sacrificing other things I want/need (workstand, quad tray rack, disc brakes for kids cargo bike). You know how it is.

I’d really like to think that the EA70 has more aluminum manipulation, leading to a more compliant bar. The shops around me don’t carry many “gravel specific” bars in stock and I’ve only been able to check other peoples bars at events.

Other bars I’m considering: Pro Adventure Medium, Ritchey EvoMax Comp, FSA NS Adventure Compact
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BikingRon
3 posts
#4Jan 12, 2019, 8:56 PM
One other thing I forgot to mention that is critical. Gel padding under the tape really absorbs a lt of the shock / vibration. Also makes for a larger diameter gripping surface. Not sure if you are using the gel under your bar tape, but I would recommend it. This came to mind when you mentioned skinny bar.

Good luck and I hope you come up with something that works.
2
Volsung
878 posts
#5Jan 12, 2019, 10:57 PM
I ran Ritchey Evomaxes for the past 7k or so miles but put some EC70 AXs on today.

The Eastons are a bit wider (like 1 or 2 cm) even though both are 46s. I like the drops on the Eastons more and the tops on the Ritcheys.

I have long fingers so I use Specialized bar phat gel pads and Lizadskins 3.2 tape.

Most of my hand numbess comes from saddle to bar drop or saddle angle, but everyone's different. I generally put my bars fairly high and then just bend my elbows if I want to get lower.
1
owly
328 posts
#6Jan 13, 2019, 2:23 AMedited
Too bad you're not chasing a 420mm bar with those specs, as I'd suggest the carbon $100usd (CyclingDeal USA on ebay) Satori X-Race Aero -210gm. (445mm centre-to-centre at the drop ends).

They do a 400mm, but I've never been able to track down their other sizes for sale.
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Darkstar69
6 posts
#7Jan 29, 2019, 8:57 PM
If you like your current bars shape, flare and drop but are just seeking more comfort on a budget you might try double wrapping your tape before investing in a new bar. I tried this and for $15 it adds a good bit of comfort. Also maybe lower your tire pressure a bit. I'm no light weight and run around 25/27 tubeless with no issues.
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s0ldats
84 posts
#8Feb 1, 2019, 2:38 AM
owly wrote:Too bad you're not chasing a 420mm bar with those specs, as I'd suggest the carbon $100usd (CyclingDeal USA on ebay) Satori X-Race Aero -210gm. (445mm centre-to-centre at the drop ends).

They do a 400mm, but I've never been able to track down their other sizes for sale.

i've been trying to find these bars in smaller sizes as well, to no avail.
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Spreader
62 posts
#9Feb 1, 2019, 9:15 AM
Thanks again for the responses. After 3 gravel events ranging in duration I have decided the bars are just too wide for me. They’d be fine on a CX course but the cause me hand numbness and (iirc) shoulder discomfort. I need bars closer to the width of my road bike.

i could live with the skinny tops (double bar tape - gel pads) if it wasn’t for the base problem of “they’re just too wide”.

Those Satori carbon bars are nice - Igbo they could be tracked down.

currently I have the FSA NS Adventure bars in the new 40cm in a Jenson shopping cart. Too bad they don’t make an “Energy” level of these bars yet.
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smoothmoose
210 posts
#10Mar 18, 2019, 2:42 PM
Spreader wrote:Thanks again for the responses. After 3 gravel events ranging in duration I have decided the bars are just too wide for me. They’d be fine on a CX course but the cause me hand numbness and (iirc) shoulder discomfort. I need bars closer to the width of my road bike.

i could live with the skinny tops (double bar tape - gel pads) if it wasn’t for the base problem of “they’re just too wide”.

Those Satori carbon bars are nice - Igbo they could be tracked down.

currently I have the FSA NS Adventure bars in the new 40cm in a Jenson shopping cart. Too bad they don’t make an “Energy” level of these bars yet.

I just installed the FSA Adventure bar in 46cm - also got from Jenson. I just installed on the weekend, so no long term review, but like it a lot.

The oval tops make huge difference in comfort.

One thing to note - FSA measures the sizing from "front" round edge of the bar. You don't put your hands there. Given the flare - the mounting area for your brifters will be about 1 size down. So my 46cm bars have my hoods/brifters at around 44cm.

Also my 46cm weighed in at 328g. Not bad given I believe the spec is 320g for the 40cm.
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Spreader
62 posts
#11Mar 22, 2019, 8:00 PM
smoothmoose wrote:

I just installed the FSA Adventure bar in 46cm - also got from Jenson. I just installed on the weekend, so no long term review, but like it a lot.

The oval tops make huge difference in comfort.

One thing to note - FSA measures the sizing from "front" round edge of the bar. You don't put your hands there. Given the flare - the mounting area for your brifters will be about 1 size down. So my 46cm bars have my hoods/brifters at around 44cm.

Also my 46cm weighed in at 328g. Not bad given I believe the spec is 320g for the 40cm.

Awesome to hear about the tops. I have the FSA Energy compact bars and really like the tops. I'm hoping these are the exact same tops!

And I was aware about the odd sizing from FSA. I have 40cm (38 at the shifters) bars on my roadie, I'm debating getting the 42cm for the gravel though.

I've got the Fizik gel pads and a new roll of tape waiting in the garage.

Have to order soon it'll be time for the bike to rip, starting to thaw out in Ontario now. Bikes first race is Paris2Ancaster.
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Jimbop
89 posts
#12Apr 13, 2019, 5:24 PM
I don't know about the 50 but I have the 70 and love them. Just the right amount of flare - i tried the Salsa Cowchipper and couldn't get a comfortable position configured on the hoods so went back to my Eastons and will sell the Cowchippers.
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